Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina Releases April 2025 Mayor’s Message

a time of hope, renewal, and faith

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA — “It’s a great day, Palm Bay!

Last month, Governor Ron DeSantis came to the Ted Moorhead Lagoon House in Palm Bay for a press conference, where he announced more than $389 million in grants to improve water quality and quantity across Florida. Additionally, the Governor awarded $100 million to the newly established Indian River Lagoon Protection Program. I was #PalmBayProud to be in attendance with Councilman Kenny Johnson and several city officials from Brevard County. Following the Governor’s press conference, it was announced that the City of Palm Bay received a total of $6.8 million for two water quality improvement grants.

Councilmembers Hammer, Langevin, and I travelled to Tallahassee on March 24-26 for Legislative Action Days. Members of Council were able to meet with various State legislators, to include State Representatives Monique Miller and Robert Brackett, to advocate on behalf of legislation and funding appropriations benefiting the citizens of Palm Bay.

As many of you have supported my vision for Sacrifice Park, I am more than pleased to show that all our hard work has paid off! We held the official ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. Thank you to everyone who joined us and celebrated the newly enhanced Sacrifice Park! We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout from our community, City staff, elected officials, and local partners. Your presence made the event truly special.

In 2022, I hosted my first Mayor’s Ball, and from the start, I knew exactly where I wanted the funds to go. I wanted to honor the first responders who gave their lives while serving our great city and the Brevard County community. That year, we raised over $40,000—but I wasn’t done. The following year, I continued my mission, building upon those efforts to give this community and our valued first responders a memorial to be proud of. Thanks to the Brevard County Commission’s approval of $250,000 in funding, combined with the City securing over a 50% match—including $150,000 in state appropriations and $100,000 in private donations—we were finally ready to build that memorial. The enhancements to Sacrifice Park include several significant additions designed to elevate the memorial’s impact.

The outstanding attendance at last week’s ceremony is a testament to how much this space means to our community. Sacrifice Park stands as a place of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for those who have served and sacrificed, and we are proud to unveil these enhancements that further honor that mission. Check out our social media pages for photos of the new park!

On Saturday, March 29, we held a Special Council Meeting for City Manager applicant interviews. We were incredibly blessed to have received an outpouring of interest from highly qualified candidates across the nation to which City Council narrowed it down to eight for the interview process. We interviewed six candidates and ultimately voted to offer the position to Matthew Morton. Mr. Morton’s interview was astounding. He was very personable and extremely knowledgeable about government.

As the City of Palm Bay welcomes our new City Manager, we are proud to introduce a visionary leader with over 25 years of diverse experience in both the public and private sectors. His career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, transparency, and public value. With a strong foundation in municipal finance, infrastructure development, and economic growth, he has consistently empowered organizations to adapt, evolve, and thrive.

His tenure as City Manager in Palm Coast, FL was marked by groundbreaking initiatives, including the creation of the nation’s first university-based Medical Nexus and the implementation of transformative “citizen-centric” governance models. He also led the city through the COVID-19 pandemic with a digital-first strategy that minimized service disruptions. From enhancing performance management systems to strengthening strategic partnerships and labor relations, his approach is centered on integrity, adaptability, and forward-thinking leadership. Palm Bay is poised for a new era of opportunity under his guidance, and we are excited for the future ahead.

More road updates! On March 20, 2025, a $9.1 million construction contract was awarded by the Palm Bay City Council to Ranger Construction for paving work funded by the City’s Road Bond program. Easterly portions of Palo Alto and some of Eldron in the southeast quadrant, neighborhoods in the southwest quadrant west of Garvey to DeGroodt, San Filippo from Malabar to Jupiter, and portions of Community College Parkway. This work will be a mix of full-depth reclamation and mill and paving.

This April, we proudly recognize National Arab American Heritage Month, celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans across our nation. From science and business to public service and the arts, their impact is felt across every field. As a nation built on freedom, we celebrate the values of heritage, unity, and inclusion that make us stronger together.

April is also Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting children and strengthening families. It serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to create safe, nurturing environments where all children can thrive. By promoting education, providing resources, and supporting early intervention efforts, we can help prevent abuse and neglect before they occur. During this month, we honor the vital work of child advocates, social workers, and community organizations who dedicate themselves to protecting our most vulnerable.

During April, we also celebrate National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of volunteers who selflessly give their time, energy, and talents to support their communities. Volunteers play a vital role in strengthening the fabric of society—whether they’re mentoring youth, assisting during emergencies, caring for the environment, or supporting local nonprofits. Their compassion and commitment make a lasting impact, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference. This month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers whose generosity and dedication help build stronger, more connected communities.

National Deaf History Month, celebrated annually from March 13 to April 15, honors the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This observance recognizes the achievements of Deaf individuals throughout history and raises awareness about the importance of accessibility and equal opportunity. As we commemorate National Deaf History Month, we are reminded of the power of communication in all its forms and the value of embracing diversity in our communities.

As we celebrate Easter on April 20, we rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—a powerful reminder of God’s infinite love, the promise of eternal life, and the triumph of light over darkness. Easter is a time of hope, renewal, and faith, made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice and victorious resurrection. As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the miracle of this day, may we carry the spirit of Easter in our hearts every day, living with faith, grace, and compassion. “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” – Matthew 28:6. From my heart to yours, I wish you a blessed and joyful Easter filled with peace, love, and the everlasting hope of Christ.”

Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina

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